Once Below Joy is a self-described "Wizardly Progressive" rock band based out of Charlotte, NC. that began in 2022. In early 2023, the band entered the Wav Lab in Fort Mill, SC and recorded their first EP. "Through the Fog", which contained 5 original songs. Their 2nd EP release, "Realm Beyond the Skyline", came out in late 2025 and was recorded at Spicehouse Studios in Sanford, NC.

They are fortunate to have played many of the awesome venues in the area and were voted Best New Band of 2023 in Charlotte by the readers in the Queen City Nerve’s Best in the Nest series. They were also named as a Favorite New Band on Eddie Trunk's "Trunk-Nation" program on Sirius FM. Their influences are the great classic and progressive rock bands, like Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rush, Yes and Black Sabbath but the sounds of modern bands such as Coheed & Cambria, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Mars Volta are evident as well. 

Having a fascination of fantasy things such as D&D, movies like Lord of the Rings, and online gaming like Skyrim, Baldur's Gate or World of Warcraft, has influenced their lyrics and music. Their energetic live performances dressed as "rock wizards" has led many of their growing fan base to do the same when attending.    

Beginnings:

Initially called "The Doughboys" due to Jesse, Skylar, and Austin working a pizza job together, the name did not fit once drummer Wyatt Fregerio became part of the band. Searching for a new name, 'Once Below Joy' was born out of circumstance. Band practices were held at Wyatt’s house in a room located under the living area of his grandmother whose name is Joy. The noise factor of an upstart rock group was too much so grandma gave them the boot and they had to relocate to a basement. Since they were literally "Once Below Joy", the name kind of naturally materialized. 

An interesting fact is that Jesse was initially the lead vocalist but Wyatt accidentally discovered he had some vocal ability as well. No one (including Wyatt) knew he could sing until one practice session when he gave an example of a song. They decided both he and Jesse should handle vocals giving more flexibility for their songwriting. And another odd fact, Wyatt did not know who Geddy Lee was until after playing shows when people kept telling him that was who they thought he sounded like. 

The band's goal is to just have fun playing music and provide a quality show to anyone attending while being a solid supporter of the music community. If more evolves, they will cross that bridge when they get there.

The official lineup includes: 

Jesse Griesman (rhythm guitar, vocals, synth) Fort Mill, SC

Wyatt Fregerio (drums, vocals)  York/Rock Hill, SC

Skylar Wade (bass) Tega Cay, SC

Austin Collins (lead guitar) Tega Cay, SC